Providing road improvement and bridge replacement designs using advanced techniques

I-80 - East of Ridge Road to Houbolt Road

Designing 13 bridge and ramp replacements and other roadway improvements along a five-mile (eight-kilometre) stretch of a busy interstate highway takes careful planning and coordination to keep traffic flowing. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) engaged us to help upgrade this aging section of Interstate 80 (I-80).

The key to choreographing this complicated dance of human and machine was employing the latest technology. We used 3D rendering and clash detection software to show exact locations of each current and proposed utility asset and an existing oil pipeline. This allowed us to redesign the initial drainage system to avoid conflicts with the pipeline, avoiding schedule delays and saving IDOT money on relocation costs. This technology also helped the team anticipate and avoid conflicts during reconstruction of bridges and overpasses along the route, as well as the new flyover bridge and ramp reconfiguration planned for the interchange with I-55.

Due to IDOT’s commitment to improving their roadways, travel along this corridor will be safer for commercial drivers and the thousands of motorists who use I-80 to commute to work, drive kids to activities, and move more securely through their day-to-day lives.